NOMINATION HIGHLIGHTS

Btissam stands out as a visionary cybersecurity leader whose impact extends far beyond her official roles. Recognized globally as one of the Top Cybersecurity Women of the World 2025 and among the Top 40 Under 40 in Cybersecurity, she exemplifies strategic excellence, innovation, and a deep commitment to strengthening the cybersecurity ecosystem. Her work consistently bridges the gap between technical expertise and organizational leadership, demonstrating a rare ability to translate complex security challenges into business-aligned, actionable outcomes.

As Head of Cybersecurity and RISO, Btissam has led transformative advancements in governance, risk management, and digital resilience across highly regulated environments. She has strengthened Business Continuity, Disaster Recovery, and Incident Response frameworks by introducing structured methodologies aligned with NIST, ENISA, and GxP best practices. These efforts have not only closed critical audit gaps but have elevated cybersecurity into a core pillar of operational and strategic excellence. Her leadership in antifraud and threat-prevention initiatives has delivered measurable reductions in risk exposure and significantly improved organizational security culture.

What truly distinguishes this nomination is Btissam’s mission to democratize cybersecurity. As the founder of Cybershapes, she has built a dynamic global community where cybersecurity is made accessible to people of all ages. Using relatable analogies—such as comparing governance to family routines or risk decisions to everyday choices—she transforms complex concepts into practical knowledge. She is currently developing a series of concise, beginner-friendly cybersecurity books and launching an educational podcast, extending her impact even further.

As a mentor, Btissam is shaping the next generation of women in cybersecurity. She leads engaging, structured programs combining foundational technical skills, certification guidance, soft-skill development, and real-world case studies including SolarWinds, Colonial Pipeline, and WannaCry. Her interactive three-hour workshops and two-hour technical deep-dives have become a benchmark for accessible, inclusive cybersecurity education. Mentees consistently praise her ability to inspire confidence, provide clarity, and instill disciplined, professional habits.

Across all her roles, Btissam demonstrates a powerful combination of vision, execution, and purpose. Her achievements reflect not only technical mastery and leadership excellence but also a transformative influence on people, organizations, and the broader cybersecurity landscape—making her an undisputedly award-worthy leader